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Effects of Pollution on our skin

By September 22, 2017Skincare

What exactly is pollution?

Air is essential to life because it supplies us with oxygen. Air is a mixture of gases, 75% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen, along with traces of water vapour, carbon dioxide, argon and various other components. Air pollution is the contamination of air with noxious gases and particles in concentrations that endanger the health humans, animals or plants (NASA).

Pollution is present in different forms. Particulate pollution – also called particulate matter (PM) – is made up of tiny pieces of solids or liquids that are in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot and smoke are large enough or appear dark enough to be seen with the naked eye in the air or on your washcloth after wiping your face. Others are too small to see in the air and can only be detected with an electron microscope (CDC[1]). Some particulates occur naturally, such as those originating from volcanoes, forest fires and dust storms. The burning of fossil fuels in motor vehicles, power plants and factories are also a significant source of particulates. PM is often described in terms on particle size; PM10 represents particulate matter that is 10 microns or less in diameter and PM2.5 represents particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. To illustrate how small 2.5 microns is, the average human hair is about 70 microns in diameter, making it 30 times larger [2].

There is also gas pollution such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide. carbon monoxide, ozone and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation causes a significant amount of gas pollution [2].

All forms of pollution can collect on your skin and lead to a negative sequelae.

How can you protect skin from pollution?

  • Proper cleansing. All the experts agree that properly cleansing your face and neck every night to remove dirt and environmental toxins from the skin’s surface is the most important thing you can do to protect your skin from pollution.
  • Moisturise. Use your favourite moisturiser to replenish the skin’s  lost moisture caused by pollution and to protect the skin’s lipid barrier from pollution.
  • Use antioxidants. Use a serum packed with antioxidants every day to neutralize harmful free radicals produced by pollution.

AlumierMD’s Alumience A.G.E. is an exclusive formulation that reduces the visible signs of aging caused by free radicals, pollution and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Using a unique blend of antioxidants, specialized peptides, antiglycation ingredients and a biomimetic pollution shield, Alumience A.G.E. provides the ultimate in daily protection.

To find out more about AlumierMD and how it can help you combat the effects of pollution book a consultation and find out more



Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

United States Environmental Protection Agency